Expectations: Although they may not be household names, the likes of Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka could enjoy a breakthrough tournament in France. Given the relatively modest competition they will encounter in Group C, which also features Germany, Poland and Northern Ireland, Ukraine should be targeting a place in the round of 16.

Yarmolenko has been linked with numerous Premier League clubs over the last few years and some head-turning performances in France could help the forward secure a money-spinning move to England this summer.

Andriy Yarmolenko is one of the Ukraine's star playersGetty Images

Manager: Mykhaylo Fomenko is hardly a well-known figure outside of Eastern Europe, but he has significantly more experience than the bulk of his rivals, having started his coaching career at FC Frunzenets-Liha-99 Sumy in late 1970s. He has been the Ukraine boss since 2012 after Harry Redknapp and Sven-Goran Eriksson both passed on the job.

IBTimes UK prediction: Second round – The little-known outfit from eastern Europe ought to progress from their group, where some of their better players are bound to impress watching scouts who are looking for a bargain or two. Thereafter, however, the Ukrainians could find themselves up against the hosts France, where their weaknesses would be brutally exposed.